Time to share another little-known fact about me! Did you know that I am a college faculty member? It’s true! I teach a course on world religions (so that Master’s Degree in Theological Studies really does get put to work!).

But I don’t report to a local university a few times each week. In fact, I don’t even have to report to an online class at any specific time of day. I do most of my grading around 5am every day, in my pj’s, while Darah is sleeping. If she wakes up early (as often happens), Tim takes the early morning shift with her while I grade papers and respond to discussion questions about different religions and how they interface with each other in our shrinking world.

As a faculty member in this type of environment, I have to say that I really appreciate this approach to education. I can make teaching fit into my life. I know that the students are in similar situations. Most of my students are trying to balance part-time or even full-time jobs, family commitments, and getting an advanced education so that they can improve their career prospects. Going back to school is hard work no matter how you decide to do it, but the online learning environment provides the flexibility that so many people need so that they can earn a degree without quitting their jobs (as going without an income is not at all possible for so many people).

Perhaps you have a great idea and an entrepreneurial spirit. You’ve always dreamed of starting your own business. Have you considered going for an MBA? Such a move can really help you create a solid business plan to help ensure that your great idea can actually turn into a viable business. I think so often people have AMAZING ideas, but their businesses never get off the ground because a great idea is not enough to keep a business going, unfortunately.